Craig Conway’s decision to leave Rovers in pursuit of more regular football elsewhere was ‘refreshing to see’, according to chief executive Steve Waggott.

Conway had been offered a new deal by Rovers, but the 34-year-old revealed he would be leaving when his current contract expires at the end of this month to seek a new challenge.

The winger made 200 appearances for Rovers in his five-and-a-half years at Ewood Park, the last of which came on the final day of last season.

Manager Tony Mowbray had offered Conway the chance to stay at the club, given his standing within the dressing room.

But having made just nine league starts last season, and only two of those at home, Conway will be open to offers this summer, though has stated his intention to remain in the Championship if possible.

Waggott said the decision to move on was that of Conway’s alone, and that the club wished him well for the future.

“It was fully his decision,” Waggott explained.

“Great credit to Craig, he’s a great character to have around the building, everyone liked him.

“He brings a lot more than just on the pitch.

“He’s great to have around the building. He speaks to the younger players and is a model professional.

“He wants to play regular football, start games, and it’s refreshing to see someone like him to be quite honest.

“He sees the progress and direction of our club and was thinking that if we bring in another four or five, where would that leave him.

“He’s made his decision that he needs to be playing regular football and we support him with that.

“He’s been a great servant for the club and we wish him well going forward because he’s a great guy.”

The decision to offer Conway a new deal was revealed in Rovers’ retained list, published shortly after the season finished.

The club remain in talks with Jack Rodwell over the possibility of remaining at Ewood Park for another year, with the 28-year-old assessing his options having been a fringe player last season.

Goalkeeper Jayson Leutwiler saw the 12-month option in his deal signed when joining from Shrewsbury Town in the summer of 2017 taken up, and the Canadian international will now remain under contract until 2020.

Ben Gladwin is another Rovers player whose deal is due to expire later this month. The 26-year-old hasn’t played for the first team since November 2017 after two long-term knee injuries.

Gladwin has since suffered a setback during his rehabilitation, and is expected to remain at the club to continue with his treatment.

The former QPR man will likely sign a deal through to the end of the calendar year where, fitness depending, a decision will be taken on his long-term future.